The aftermath: My farewell and thank yous

So, good people of reading land this is my last article for the St Pete Catalyst. Last one ever? Well, for the end of the football year for sure. Will I be back next year? Maybe.

I will tell you what I do know – I’ve grown an appreciation for writing, and having the opportunity to do so on this platform. I knew I had a lot to say but never really thought about writing it down. To actually write on a platform outside of Facebook or Twitter, it’s been a great experience! The thing I like most about this writing, and doing so on this platform, is I never really thought about formatting my story. I don’t feel I like I report. I feel like I tell stories. Being on the Catalyst has sparked me to do some research, and not just to tell you how I feel, but to have the stats to back it up. And of course a little editing makes for a better read. I know what I say, and sometimes what I write doesn’t come out the way that I want, but the good people of the editing world are helping me out. I appreciate that.

It’s funny, really, I have gotten feedback, most of it good. It inspired me to go outside my football knowledge and talk about other things. The opportunity I had here on this platform has been inspiring to say the least. The confidence I have built while reading the comments has really been something. I never thought I would be a “writer” a “creator” of a story, or to publish my point of view to a big audience. I write because I genuinely enjoy it. I like that I get to talk about things I like, and I also like that I am not being interrupted while doing so. It brings me a lot of joy. The most impactful part to me is that now, I am somewhat getting taken seriously when I write. People envy me, or hate me, which is OK with me. Some people think, how can a guy not take any classes on journalism get to write on such a platform? Well for starters. I am not the only one. There are plenty of people who do. I am just one of them.

The push to put out stories every week has been challenging. But it’s more than that. I have to keep you interested. The biggest thing is not being mundane.

I wonder if there is more out there for me. I know I have a lot to say and I know that St Pete catalyst gave me an opportunity to write it. I know I’ll be on Cityverse too.

I have been saying “I” a lot, but to be honest I have to give credit where credit is due. I would like to give a shoutout to Robert Blackmon, a cool opinionated political figure (aren’t they all) and businessman. He is alright with me. He believed in me enough to put his name out there to allow such any opportunity. This definitely would not be possible without Joe Hamilton. I interviewed with him because of Robert and I charmed him into letting me have a spot on the Catalyst.

Seriously, Joe is a very patient guy with a great vision and great insight. When I did have writer’s block he helped me push through even though he was extremely busy building up Cityverse and all the other things. I know there is an editor who cleans up my grammatical errors. There were a lot but I am getting better! I would like to give a big thanks to him or her. [publisher’s note: It’s Bill DeYoung!]. Thanks to the readers and supporters!! … and that’s my two cent. (don’t clean that up, I did that on purpose!)

Photo: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Former defensive end Stylez White played for the Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears and Orlando Predators. He was on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense from 2007 to 2010